About the competition
The Pitch is a Dragon’s Den style event where ÃÛÌÒÊÓƵ A students have the opportunity to pitch their business idea or social innovation project to a panel of judges.
We are so happy to be able to award cash prizes of over $7,000 thanks to our generous donors including the TD Ready Commitment!
The competition was founded by ÃÛÌÒÊÓƵ Allison alumni Keifer Bell, Jill Edwards, and Tanner Wilson in 2018 and aims to recognize the top students/student teams who have identified a real gap in the market, and an effective solution to a problem or need with the potential to scale.
This competition is open to all current ÃÛÌÒÊÓƵ A students regardless of academic program or year of study.
The Pitch 2024 - Fall
Prizes
Up to $7,000 in cash prizes will be awarded to the top 3 applicants.
How to Apply
The application is a three-part process including a video submission, a written submission, and a live pitch. Please note that the application dates for each step reflect the 2024 application period.
#1 Video Submission - Friday, October 25
The preliminary round consists of a 3-minute video submission which is due on Friday, October 25.
The judges will review the video submissions and judge them based on the criteria outlined below.
Specific points to cover in your video:
- Introduce yourself and share any relevant information (education, volunteer work, job experience etc.) that will help you to successfully launch the idea.
- Identify the problem you aim to solve.
- Why does this problem matter?
- What is your proposed solution for the problem?
- How will you implement it?
Check out the The Pitch Handbook for more details.
#2 Written Submission — October 25
All applicants will also have to submit the second part of the application, a written submission which will allow you to provide some more details around the proposed idea you have pitched in the video submission.
The deadline for the written submission is also due Friday, October 25. Finalists will then be selected based on the video and written submissions and will be invited to the final round which consists of a live pitch.
Information you will be asked to provide in your written submission:
- Introduce yourself and share any relevant information (education, volunteer work, job experience etc.) that will help you to successfully launch the idea.
- Identify the problem you aim to solve and why does it matter?
- What is your proposed solution for the problem?
- What is your competitive advantage?
- How will you implement it?
Check out the The Pitch Handbook and the written application for more details.
#3 Live Pitch — November 23
The final component of the competition is a live pitch!
This is where you will have the chance to pitch your business idea to the judges in real time.
You will have 10 minutes to present your idea in-person (virtual presentation options will be available), followed by a 5-minute Q&A period. Be sure to be clear and engaging, sell your idea to the judges!
Only selected finalists will be invited to the live pitch component of the competition which will take place on Saturday, November 23.
Check out the 2024 The Pitch Handbook for more details.
For tips and information on creating a business and a pitch, explore the Think Inc. Program.
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